Yes, they can. Once an adoption is legally finalised the child is considered a legal child of the adoptive parents for all purposes. That includes inheritance. The legal ties with the birth parents are generally severed when this occurs. Our team can also assist you with updating your will or estate plan after the adoption to reflect your new family structure.

The timeline can vary fairly widely, but adoption can take several months to over a year depending on the type of adoption and complexity of the case. Delays can occur if there are issues around consent, assessments or documentation. We’ll help you prepare thoroughly from the start to give your application the best chance of progressing smoothly.

In most cases, yes. Unless one parent has passed away, cannot be located or the court deems consent unnecessary due to exceptional circumstances, both parents will need to consent. The court always understandably considers the child’s best interests as a priority. If you’re unsure about how consent applies in your situation, our experienced family lawyers in Perth can help you explore your legal options with clarity.

The legal adoption process in WA typically includes applying through the Department of Communities. It will involve undergoing assessments and attending court hearings that can occur over a period of months or years. If you’re adopting a stepchild or relative the process may differ slightly. Either way, getting the right legal advice is essential to help you understand your rights and what responsibilities you have before and after adoption. There are always a number of documents you will need to prepare, and it’s important to make sure you have the right guidance when filling these out.

Step-parent adoption involves the legal transfer of parental responsibility from one biological parent to a step-parent. This process requires consent, background checks and court approvals. It’s a detailed process with significant emotional and legal consequences, especially if it isn’t handled with sensitivity and the experience necessary to avoid bumps in the road. Our lawyers can help you meet eligibility requirements, file the correct paperwork and make sure your application is presented thoroughly and respectfully to the right government bodies.

In Western Australia, individuals or couples over 18 years can adopt, including step-parents, relatives, and unrelated parties. You must meet certain criteria and complete a detailed and rigorous assessment process. This process prioritises the child’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing and safety. If you’re considering step-parent adoption in Perth, you’ll also need court approval and consent from the child’s other biological parent. That is unless exempted. Legal advice can help simplify the process.